Drama and Theatre Studies

Course summary

A level of Drama and Theatre combines a very practical approach with theoretical study and you will explore a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts. This is a linear qualification and the course is divided into three components - Drama and theatre, Creating original drama and Making theatre. Drama and theatre is the written components and for this you will undertake an in-depth study of two play texts from a prescribed list. Through a combination of discussion and practical exploration, you will consider how to interpret and bring the texts to life for an audience from the perspectives of performer, designer and director. You will also learn how to discuss live theatre performances seen during the course. This component is assessed through a written exam. For the Creating Original Drama component, you will work in groups to create your own original piece of performance work. You will record the process in a document called the Working Notebook. For the final component, Making Theatre, you will explore three different extracts of plays from a practical perspective as a theatre maker. You will choose one of these to develop into a polished piece of performance for assessment in a formal exam setting. You will record and evaluate the process in a written document called the Reflective Report. For each of these practical components, you will also study the work of an influential theatre practitioner and you will use your knowledge and understanding of this practitioner to inform your own performance work. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of theatre visits to further enrich your learning. Whatever career you ultimately hope to pursue, Drama A level will equip you with a valuable toolkit of transferable skills and help you to develop confidence as a communicator and collaborator.